Consider the Local Environment
When picking colours for your office, don’t just think about what looks good in a magazine. Have a look at the local area too. What’s the vibe of the area? Are there any rules you need to follow?
Understanding Local Regulations
Turns out that some areas have pretty strict rules about what you can and can’t do with the outside of your building. This might include colour choices. Check with your local council before you even consider cracking open a paint tin. You don’t want to end up with a hefty fine because you chose the wrong shade of ochre.
Respecting Architectural Standards
Think about the style of the building itself. Is it a heritage-listed beauty or a modern glass box?
Choosing colours that clash with the building’s architecture is a big no-no. You want your colour scheme to complement the existing style, not fight against it.
Here are a few things to consider:
- Building age
- Predominant materials
- Overall design style
Incorporate Accent Colours
Accent colours are like the jewellery of a room – they add that little spark that makes everything pop. But just like with jewellery, it’s easy to overdo it. You don’t want your office looking like a Christmas tree, right?
Choosing Complementary Shades
The trick is to pick colours that play nicely together. Think about the main colours you’ve already chosen. Are they warm or cool? Do you want your accent colours to blend in smoothly or create a bit of contrast? A colour wheel can be your best mate here. Look for colours that are opposite each other (complementary) or next to each other (analogous). For example, if you’ve got a lot of blues and greens, maybe a touch of coral or orange could lift the space.
Avoiding Overuse of Accents
Less is often more. You don’t want your accent colours fighting for attention.
A good rule of thumb for the interior is the 60-30-10 rule. 60% of the room is your main colour, 30% is a secondary colour, and only 10% is your accent colour. This helps create a balanced and visually appealing space.
Here are some ways to use accent colours without going overboard:
- Cushions and throws
- Artwork and prints
- Desk accessories
- Feature walls
Think About Your Target Market
It’s easy to get caught up in what you like, but remember, your commercial space isn’t just for you. It’s for your customers! Thinking about who you’re trying to attract is super important when choosing colours. What works for a trendy cafe aimed at uni students won’t necessarily work for a solicitor’s office.
Identifying Demographic Preferences
Do a bit of digging to find out what colours appeal to your ideal customer. Are they young and vibrant or older and more conservative? Consider things like:
- Age range: Younger people might be drawn to brighter, bolder colours, while older folks might prefer something more muted.
- Gender: While it’s important not to generalise too much, there can be some gender-based colour preferences.
- Cultural background: Colours can have different meanings in different cultures, so it’s worth doing your research.
It’s a good idea to check out what your competitors are doing. Are they all using similar colour schemes? If so, maybe you want to do something different to stand out. Or maybe there’s a reason they’re all using the same colours – because it works for their target market!
Aligning Colours with Brand Values
Your colours should also reflect your brand’s personality and values. Are you a fun, playful brand, or a serious, trustworthy one? The colours you choose should communicate that to your customers. For example:
- If you’re a sustainable business, you might want to use greens and browns to evoke a sense of nature.
- If you’re a tech company, you might go for blues and silvers to convey innovation and modernity.
- If you’re a luxury brand, you might opt for golds and blacks to create a feeling of sophistication and exclusivity.
It’s all about creating a cohesive brand image that resonates with your target market. Don’t just pick colours because you like them – pick them because they’ll help you attract the right customers and build a strong brand.
Inspiration
Wrapping It Up
Picking the right colours for your office or commercial space isn’t just about what looks good. It’s about creating an atmosphere that reflects your brand and makes people feel comfortable.
Remember to think about your target audience, the vibe you want to create, and any local regulations. If you’re feeling stuck, don’t hesitate to get some help from a colour expert such as the RCS Painting team.
At the end of the day, a well-thought-out colour scheme can make a world of difference in how your space feels and functions.
